Top 10 Ideas for that “Big First Date” – No. 7

Top 10 Ideas for that "Big First Date" - No. 7

Spring is in the air so what better time to engage in the great outdoors than on your next big date. Instead of bringing your date flowers, why not bring her or him “to” the flowers. Often times we forget that the simplest of activities such as walking through beautiful gardens and engaging in great conversation can help ease the first date jitters and create a wonderful memory (not to mention a great photo op).
Although I admit that this may not be for the “allergy challenged”, a study by Rutgers University on the emotional impact of flowers may be reason enough to pop an allergy tab and put on your Sunday best. Some highlights of the study are listed below, but you can read the findings in an article published in the EP Journal at

https://www.epjournal.net/wp-content/uploads/ep03104132.pdf

After a 10 month study on the link between flowers and life satisfaction, participants experienced the following:

1. Felt less depressed, anxious or agitated.
2. Had a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
3. Increased contact with family and friends.

If a bouquet of roses can instantly put you in a good mood, just imagine what an entire Botanical Garden can do!

Many Botanical Gardens around the nation have special events going on throughout the Spring and Summer. Following is a short list so you can get an idea of what a cool date destination this can be.

Balboa Park San Diego, CA
www.balboapark.org

There are 19 different gardens within the Park that you can explore. After, take in a film, play or one of the numerous exhibits on display.

San Antonio Botanical Garden San Antonio, TX
www.sabot.org

On May 24th join them for “Brews and Blooms”. This is a new event complete with craft beers and food trucks. Hmmm, I need to get to San Antonio ASAP.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum Summit, NJ
www.reeves-reedarboretum.org

Admission is free (who says dating is expensive) and you must check their website for the summer music schedule. Pack a picnic. Dinner and a show.

New York Botanical Garden Bronx, NY
www.nybg.org

Grab your cowboy hat and check out the “Backyard BBQ & Music Festival” to be held this June.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Dallas, TX
www.dallasarboretum.org

Now, you might have thought the BBQ would take place here, however, for the more traditionalists, Garden Tea is served daily. Check out the website for times.

Most Botanical Gardens host a variety of events during the Spring and Summer and since there are too many to list, please check out the following Wikipedia link. Just click on your State and a list of all the different parks and gardens will show up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_botanical_gardens_in_the_United_State

Once again, think outside the box (or in this case the planter) and try something new. Sometimes just picking the right venue can help lead to a successful first meeting. Enjoy the beautiful weather and remember, it’s only a date. Have fun!